My kiddos love sharks. And just when I think they're moving on, the countdown to Discovery Channel's Shark Week begins and the craze starts all over again.

This summer, the craze has been bigger than ever, continuing through the beginning of Fall. We couldn't resist creating our Shark Unit 2 with Free Printables. The kiddos have loved each and every activity and are still begging for more.

Here's what we've been up to!

Language

Shark Vocabulary

The kiddos' knowledge of shark vocabulary continues to grow. This activity helps develop their knowledge even further. These cards can be used as 3 part cards or matching cards. If you're a shark lover, I promise you'll enjoy this activity. My kiddos can't get enough of it.

Source: Jason and I created the printable for this activity as part of the Shark Unit Language Printable Pack 2. This
is a subscriber's only freebie. See directions at the bottom of this post
on how to access your free copy.

Math

Shark Tooth Subtraction

It's no secret that sharks loose teeth often. In this activity the kiddos practice subtraction using shark teeth as counters and glass beads as markers.

Source: I created the printable for this activity as part of my Shark Unit Math Printable Pack 3. This is a subscriber's only freebie. See directions at the bottom of this post on how to access your free copy.

Sand Tiger Shark Multiplication

Sand tiger sharks are known for staying in groups. In this activity the kiddos are multiplying groups that they see. Sand tiger sharks are being used as counters. Glass beads are being used as markers. Bulldozer is loving the chance to practice more multiplication.

Source: I created the printable for this activity as part of my Shark Unit Math Printable Pack 3. This is a subscriber's only freebie. See directions at the bottom of this post on how to access your free copy.

Hammerhead Shark Division

Hammerhead sharks also stay in groups. In this activity the kiddos are dividing sharks into groups that they've seen. Hammerhead sharks are used as counters. Glass beads are used as markers.

Source: I created the printable for this activity as part of the Shark Unit Printable Pack 3. This is a subscriber's only freebie. See directions at the bottom of this post on how to access your free copy.

Shark Word Problems

The kiddos have been working on adding and subtracting large numbers. They've also been working on solving word problems. This activity combines the two skills with a shark theme. The kiddos are matching up word problems to number problem cards and then solving them.

Source: Jason and I created the printable for this activity as part of our Shark Unit Math Printable Pack 3. This is a subscriber's only freebie. See directions at the bottom of this post on how to access your free copy.

Science & Culture

Oceanic Zones Coloring Page

We have learned about the oceanic zones before, but it's always best to review when we have the chance. I'm excited to have this beautiful coloring page on our shelves. The kiddos have loved it!

Once again the kiddos have requested Who Am I? cards as part of our shark unit. They have loved them in past units. I must say, these are some of our best.

Source: Jason and I created the printable for this activity as part of our Shark Unit Science & Culture Printable Pack 2. This is a subscriber's only freebie. See directions at the bottom of this post on how to access your free copy.

Are All Sharks Dangerous?

Dinomite and Bulldozer have a deep love and respect for sharks. They have spent years learning about them. When they are made aware of others speaking negatively or harming sharks, they become quite upset. This activity has been created in their behalf to educate others about sharks, because not all are alike.

Source: Jason and I created the printable for this activity as part of the Shark Unit Science & Culture Printable Pack 2. This is a subscriber's only freebie. See directions at the bottom of this post on how to access your free copy.

Prehistoric Shark Match Up

Sharks have been around for a very long time, some even before dinosaurs. The kiddos love learning about prehistoric creatures. In this activity they match prehistoric shark figures to their corresponding cards.

Source: Jason and I created the printable for this activity as part of our Shark Unit Science & Culture Printable Pack 2. This is a subscriber's only freebie. See directions at the bottom of this post on how to access your free copy.

Music

Orchestra Instruments in the Jaws Theme

The boys are so into music right now. Not pop music or anything like that, but classical music, more specifically film scores. I thought it would be fun to use their new found passion to my advantage.

As the kiddos watch and listen to the Jaws theme conducted by John Williams (their favorite composer right now), they will identify instruments they see. The orchestra instruments cards are provided as a control.

Source: I created the printable for this activity. For your free copy, click HERE.

Sensory

Fun with Magnets

Sharks are very sensitive to magnetic fields. They detect them in the water, helping them hunt for prey and avoid things that may be dangerous. The boys thoroughly enjoyed learning more about this during Shark Week 2016. In honor of all that they learned, we decided to add a magnet kit to our shelves.

Shark Sensory Bin

The kiddos are always up for a fun sensory bin, especially if it includes water and sharks. This one is quite simple including decorative rocks, blue glass beads, shark figures, random plants we have on hand, and water. They are loving it!

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Bulldozer, age 8, and in second grade, just completed all five levels of the BOB Book Series. He's been my slowest learner as far as reading and writing are concerned, but is enjoying the process. In my opinion, that's what matters most.

To ensure he continues reading, we've created a 1st grade reading list for Bulldozer this year. He is to choose one book per month, or ten books throughout the school year. Bulldozer will then write a book report about each one.

Since Bulldozer's writing skills correspond with his reading skills, I have selected a very simple book report format for him to use. You can access the free printable at 1st Grade Fantabulous.

Bulldozer's books are not chapter books. They do not take long to read. His goal with each book is to learn to read the words fluidly and accurately with expression, while at the same time, understanding the main points of the story.

This book isn't something that Bulldozer would pick up on his own, but we're hoping since it's on his book list he may give it a try. We feel he'll definitely relate to the boy in the book as he's always asking questions and trying to understand the world around him.

This book is yet another funny read. Bulldozer is one who wants to make sure people are following rules at all times. It will be quite entertaining to see his responses as he reads through each new idea the pigeon has to get what he wants. We're also intrigued to see how Bulldozer responds to the pigeon's behaviors.

Bulldozer's anxieties soar at bedtime. He's frightened so easily by anything and everything. We thought this book might put a humorous spin on night time anxieties for him, helping him cope with them just a little bit better.

This book is absolutely adorable, and the first that Bulldozer has chosen from his list. The personalities given to each color crayon are so entertaining. For a boy who loves colors, the artwork is perfect. Have I mentioned that Bulldozer is a little obsessed with crayons, especially his purple crayons?

Bulldozer has always had the makings for a great engineer. He builds and creates on a daily basis. We're hoping that this book inspires him to continue his work. The message in the book, that one can only truly fail when they quit, is one we hope Bulldozer will be able to absorb and keep with him.

Over the summer our family went on our first real camping trip. Bulldozer thoroughly enjoyed it and has asked to go again and again. Due to this new found love, we thought he would delight in reading about all of Mr. Magee's mishaps.

One of Bulldozer's passions is astronomy. He's quite obsessed with it. It was only appropriate to add an astronomy themed book to his list. This one in particular will be fun, because it tells the story of Apollo 11, which is something he hasn't learned about yet.

Bulldozer was introduced to the story of the Titanic a couple of years ago. He's even watched some of the movie with me (skipping parts that were inappropriate) and thoroughly enjoyed it. We're pretty sure he'll be delighted to read about this. It's also fun knowing it's a nonfiction account.

It's no secret that Bulldozer loves extreme weather, volcano eruptions included. He is not aware of the story of Pompeii. This will be a great way to introduce him to yet another event in history about something he loves.

Bulldozer's family on Renae's paternal side, comes from an island in the middle of the St. Lawrence River. We've visited the island and vacationed there many times. Bulldozer loves everything about our experiences there, including the boats. We're thinking this book will be a happy reminder of our beloved island experiences.

Bulldozer has shown much interest in his big brother's microscope. Just how does it work? What can you see? This book will be a great way to answer some of his questions and enhance his desire to learn more.

My kiddos are going crazy for sharks these days. Discovery Channel's Shark Week seems to do that to them. What's been fun this year, is that the desire to learn more about sharks has lasted all Summer and into the Fall.

Today, I'm sharing Sunshine's Shark Activities for Tots and Preschoolers with Free Printables. She always wants to do what her siblings are doing. Since their activities are too difficult, we decided to make more age appropriate ones for her. She is loving them all!

Here's what's on her shelves!

Language

Shark Themed Prewriting Sand Tray

Sunshine continues to work on prewriting activities, using a sand tray. Right now we're using blue sand to resemble water. The prewriting tasks resemble shark fins or waves in the ocean.

Nomenclature cards are great for children when trying to develop vocabulary and letter recognition. Sunshine uses the control cards provided to help her match up picture and word cards. She really enjoys these cards and is using new words in conversation on a regular basis. Yay!

Source: I create the printable for this activity as part of my Shark Unit Printable Pack 3. This
is a subscriber's only freebie. See directions at the bottom of this post
on how to access your free copy.

Shark First Letter Sounds

This activity is recommended after introducing the shark themed nomenclature cards. Sunshine uses the control cards provided (if needed) to determine the first letter sound of each shark vocabulary word. She places a glass bead on the correct answer.

Note: Not all cards in the printable are being used.

Source: I created the printable for this activity as part of my Shark Unit Printable Pack 3. This is a subscriber's only freebie. See directions at the bottom of this post on how to access your free copy.

Math

Counting Sharks

Sunshine practices counting sharks using the cards provided. She uses the glass beads provided to mark her answers.

Source: I created the printable for the activity as part of my Shark Unit Math Printable Pack 2. This is a subscriber's only freebie. See directions at the bottom of this post on how to access your free copy.

Shark Themed Greater Than/Less Cards

Sunshine is learning to identify greater than, less than, and equal signs. We're having loads of fun explaining that sharks open their mouths to the bigger bite. She uses glass beads to mark her answer on each card.

Source: I created the printable for this activity as part of my Shark Unit Math Printable Pack 2. This is a subscriber's only freebie. See directions at the bottom of this post on how to access your free copy.

I Spy Lots of Sharks!

Sunshine completes this activity, marking each shark as she counts them. She then circles how many of each shark she finds.

3. Open the thank you
message you receive after subscribing. (Be sure to check your spam
folder, as sometimes it ends up there.)

4. Locate the link to
our Subscriber Only Freebies page as well as password to access it in the
"Thank You" message.

5. Click on link and
type in password.

6. Find the
printable pack you are looking for listed in alphabetical order, click on it,
and viola!

We hope you enjoy your
free printable.

Note: If you are already a newsletter
subscriber, open your most recent newsletter. At the bottom you will find
a link to the Subscriber Only Freebies page, along with the password in case
you forgot it.

The beauty of the great outdoors has been a source of inspiration for writers and artists for generations. There is something about being in touch with nature that enlivens our creative energy. We have thoroughly enjoyed these children's books about camping.

They have been fabulous preparation for our first camping trip with the kids, and also a great way to reflect when we returned.

This post contains affiliate links.

Here are our favorites!

Montessori-inspired Childrens' Books About Camping

My Camp-Out is a Level 1 reader for toddlers and preschoolers. It's almost like a social story, sequencing events, and even pointing out things that might be scary for a first-time camper.

Into the Great Outdoors Camping for Kids is a guide for the older child who is ready to go camping beyond the backyard. This book covers camping basics such as gear for different environments, what to do while at the campsite, and how to prepare for emergencies. We love how the book teaches readers to be responsible for themselves and the environment.

S is for S'mores: A Camping Alphabet takes the reader through a wide-ranging tour of the wonders and joys of the great outdoors. We are big fans of this series. The combination of poetic verse and historical background on each page is a winning formula.

The Kids Campfire Book is a wonderful resource that is overflowing with good ideas, tips, fun activities, songs, games and more. The book takes the reader through every detail, from deciding on the right campsite all the way through the last ghost story told around the dying embers of the fire. This book will provide value for years and through dozens of camping adventures.

When We Go Camping does a superb job of putting the sensory experiences of camping into words and pictures. Each page features a few lines of evocative sensory imagery, combined with whimsical yet life-like paintings. Be sure to watch for disguised animals faces in the backgrounds.

Toasting Marshmallows is a book of simple, fun rhymes accompanied by warm, impressionistic illustrations. Each poem focuses on a particular element of camping, everything from hiking in the woods to mosquitos buzzing in your ear. This is an easygoing and fun read.

Fun with Nature: Take Along Guide is one of the most pleasant surprises on our shelf this week. We have enjoyed a few different volumes of the Take-Along Series, but little did we know that there was one book that combined seven of them into one binding. This book is perfect for the young naturalist who plans on exploring nature in search of wildlife.

Book of Nature Poetry is a collection of poems inspired by nature, selected and edited by J. Patrick Lewis, the former Children's Poet Laureate of the United States. Some of the poems are beloved classics. Others are less known but just as valuable and earn their place in this collection. This is a fantastic way to introduce poetry to children, especially nature lovers.

For more camp related activities and experiences, be sure to visit the posts below.